Illuminated Mirrors

An illuminated mirror lights your face from the front rather than from a ceiling fitting overhead, which removes the shadows that make shaving and make-up awkward. Once you have used one, a plain mirror under a downlight feels like a compromise.

Features worth having

• Demister pad — a heated element behind the glass keeps a clear area after a shower. The single most useful addition.
• Touch dimming — adjust brightness for the time of day.
• Colour temperature switching — warm light for evening, cool daylight for detailed tasks.
• Shaver socket — saves an awkward extra fitting elsewhere on the wall.

IP rating and zones

Bathrooms are divided into electrical zones by proximity to water, and any fitting must meet the IP rating for its zone. An illuminated mirror above a basin usually sits in Zone 2 or outside the zones, but this must be confirmed on site. Installation is a job for a qualified electrician — it needs a fused spur, not a plug.

Positioning

Hang so the centre sits around eye level for the household, roughly 1500-1600mm from the floor. Allow for the cable exit position when planning the spur.

Want storage as well? See our mirror cabinets.